Festival Weekend

2011 Festival Weekend: Friday June 24 - Monday 27 June 2011

When we chose this years theme "The Elements" I never dreamt it would play such a major part in the festival. Who would have thought a Volcano erupting South America could close our air space! Those of you who managed to get to Alice and return home a big thankyou.
We were sorry our major sponsor Cleckheaton was affected by the airline problem and could not make it, we look forward to their continued support next year.
With over 6600 Beanies received for sale and retail sales down by 30% I had visions of beanie haystacks being left over, BUT NO !!! beanieologists had saved for this years event and came ready to buy. With the result that Saturdays sales were an all time record. Nn amazing 4750 beanies sold.
This years exhibition in the Araluen Gallery attracted 240 entries even from as far afield as Holland, Japan and Greece and New Zealand, and out theme gave rise to some amazing beanies of particularly high standard from Erupting Volcanoes to a Rising Phoenix!

Beanie fest would not continue without the support of our Sponsors and the dedicated work of our Executive Officer Jo Nixon and of course all those who volunteered and entered beanies.
I am looking forward to next years festival which will be held 22nd -25th June 2012.
Hope to see you all there.

Gay
Gay Epstein
Chair

Central Craft Workshops and Exhibitions

A fabulous program of textiles workshops including beading, buttoning, nuno and needle felting, innovative crochet and knitting, sustainable couture, easy carve printing, dyeing. Enrolments open now so book early. These courses will sell out!
Any enquiries email Central Craft or telephone (08) 8952 4417.
www.centralcraft.org.au

Downloads:
Central Craft Workshops Brochure	Central Craft Workshops Timetable	Central Craft Workshops Enrolment Form

Siri’s Studio	7:30am Monday 27 June Enjoy fruit juice fresh from the trees of the studio garden. 3 Mueller St Old East Side Jewellery by Mavis Wari & Siri Omberg, Aboriginal Art & Craft Enquiries: Siri 8952 8325 or 0429 658 041
Cat’s Meow Cabaret	Cat’s Meow Cabaret Presents Artesia, The Guard of Life Funraiser Totem Theatre, 23, 24, 25 June Cabaret: Doors open at 7pm for an 8pm start Tix:$35 Cocktail lounge with bands and dj’s 10pm till late After-show only entry: $10 (24 and 25 June only) Bookings email:catsmeowcabaret@gmail.com Tel: 0404 532 575
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists	This Western Arrernte Arts Enterprise is based at the Larapinta Valley Town Camp in Alice Springs. Initially established as a training program to help people rebuild lives, it now operates as a small but dynamic arts enterprise. Producing beautiful soft sculptures and etchings, the Larapinta Town Camp invite you to two important events: Friday 17 June 6pm Yarrenyty Arltere opens “Faces of Larapinta” Exhibiting a collection of soft sculpture dolls and prints that speak of the healing nature of this art enterprise. Where: Araluen Arts Centre Wednesday 22 June 4pm- 7.30pm Yarrenyty Arltere Open Night unique evening of art, films and food. Celebrating a community that is working towards a better future. Soft sculptures, prints, naturally dyed silk scarves and hand printed cards for sale, films made by the town camp residents and a BBQ, kangaroo tails and damper for sale. Please come and support this important event at Larapinta Town Camp. Where: Yarrenyty Arltere Learning Centre

From our Guestbook in 2011

What the punters loved:
Beanies are fabulous
Loved workshops
Community spirit
People smiling
Seeing that beanie making has no barriers
Exhibition was great
Friday was magnificent
Catching up with friends
Keep on keeping on!
Excellent people
Beanie madness
Friendly volunteers
Great atmosphere
Loved the air conditioning this year
Buying a beanie
Watching the spinning
Makers inspiration
Trying on the beanies
Everything- keep going!
Creativity
No where else has a beanie festival
The cakes
It is perfect
Amazing
Groovy
Cultural experience
Childrens craft
Opening night music
20/10
Great promotion this year
Every year more exciting
So much wool and silliness, Olympics, music, people.
Late night shopping
A great community event.
HOW CAN WE MAKE IT BETTER?
More seats
Make it longer
Bigger venue
Make a head table
More beanies
Limit numbers through door at a time
More food
Better designed clearer program
Daytime music
Cheaper beanies
Prices keep going up
Include local times again next year
More café and market stalls
Easier access to food and drinks
More teaching sessions
Have other activities
Cheaper cakes
Shuttle bus
Better entry/exit for crowds
Time for a beanie exchange table
More music
Open Beanie Central on Friday night
Better coffee
Morevanilla slice
A bouncing castle
Central Craft better organised
Ghan staff unaware of festival
Allow volunteers to book shifts over phone or e-mail
More Indigenous Workshops.